Bauchi records 70 human trafficking cases, three convictions

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) recorded 70 human trafficking cases in Bauchi State between January and October 2026, securing three convictions during the period.

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The agency also rescued 25 indigenes of the state who were trafficked to North Africa, according to the state coordinator, Aliyun Kalli.

Mr Kalli disclosed the figures on Tuesday during a two-day review workshop on the Bauchi State Youth Policy Development Framework, organised by the state’s Sustainable Development Goals office with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

He said most of the victims were young people lured abroad with false promises of better opportunities.

Mr Kalli urged young people to take advantage of local skills acquisition programmes and other economic opportunities rather than risk dangerous journeys that could expose them to trafficking and exploitation.

He said three convictions had been secured from the 70 cases recorded during the period, while other cases remained before the courts.

The coordinator did not provide details of the convictions or specify how many of the remaining cases had been charged in court.

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He added that NAPTIP was profiling returned migrants and working to reintegrate them into their communities.

Mr Kalli also disclosed that the agency was investigating local agents allegedly involved in recruiting young girls from rural communities for exploitation in urban centres.

He did not provide details of the alleged recruitment activities or disclose whether arrests had been made in connection with the investigations.

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The coordinator said NAPTIP’s anti-trafficking efforts were built around five strategic pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership and policy.

He added that the agency had conducted awareness campaigns in more than 50 communities, motor parks and schools across Bauchi State in 2026.

The campaigns also included radio and television engagements, as well as outreach programmes targeting women’s groups.

Mr Kalli urged young people to remain patient and engage in productive activities, expressing optimism that ongoing government reforms would create more opportunities for them within the country.